Would welcome Hussey back, if he returned - Arthur

Australia coach Mickey Arthur has said the selectors would welcome Michael Hussey back if he decided to make a return for this year's Ashes series, given the lack of experience in Australia's Test squad. However, Arthur said he was confident that in time the younger members of Australia's team would be capable of filling the vacuum left by the retirements of Hussey and Ricky Ponting, although their absence had contributed to the slipping team culture over the past few months.

Arthur also conceded he had put his job on the line with the uncompromising decision to leave four players out of the Mohali Test due to their failure to complete a task in which they were asked for ideas on how they and the team could improve. But he said such a move was necessary to bring the culture of the team back to where it needed to be following the departures of Ponting and Hussey, whose intense work ethic served as examples to their younger colleagues.

A Hussey comeback appears unlikely given his decision to retire was made largely due to his desire to spend more time at home with his young family, and the Ashes tour would require him to be away for two and a half months. But the Australians have missed Hussey badly during the ongoing Indian tour and given that he has remained a solid run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield, Arthur said the door would be open if he wanted to return.

"We'd certainly listen to Mike Hussey if Mike Hussey came knocking at our door," Arthur said. "But that's a hypothetical at the moment. He's retired. We've moved on now, you know. Yeah we miss him. We miss the aura of Ricky Ponting. But I'm hoping that these younger players will take over that mantle in time to come. They're nowhere near ready yet.

"But in time to come they've got to step up and take on those mantles because they're going to be the role models for the next generation of cricketers. I'm confident we've got the best players here. These guys just need to be given that confidence and just need to stand up. I'm pretty sure they will."

However, the young squad did need a rev up from Arthur, captain Michael Clarke and team manager Gavin Dovey last week when those four players were left out of the team. The bold decision was described by Arthur as a line in the sand after standards had slipped among the wider playing group during the Indian tour, from players being late to meetings to wearing the wrong uniforms, to giving back-chat.

The decision has split opinion in the cricket world and although Cricket Australia's board backed the team management in their move, Arthur is well aware that it could be a make-or-break moment in his coaching career. Arthur took the reins of the Australia team in late 2011 but it is 2013 that will define the Arthur-Clarke leadership team, with two Ashes series coming up. Things have not started well in India.

"I would say I've put my neck on the line," Arthur said. "But I've put my neck on the line because I'm really passionate about Australian cricket and I'm very passionate about this team. I want this team to achieve ultimate success and that's to get to number one in the world. It was needed. It had to happen and the responses have been fantastic. I'm comfortable. It was a week of massive pain. It really was. But I'm comfortable.

"I sit here now knowing that this team is going in the right direction. People will say why did it take so long. It took so long because the team was running itself, because we had some senior players around it; we don't have those senior players around this team any more. This team needed to be shown direction and it got a pretty clear message of that before this Test match."

"We've got to understand where we're at at the moment with a very young group of players that needs to be shown the right way to go. If you've got older, senior players the team governs itself and then it's easy just to run and coach. If you've got a young team you need to grab the team and really make the players understand what their responsibilities and ownerships are of the side."

Although Arthur is happy with the response from within the squad after the tumultuous past week, his hardline stance has brought him plenty of criticism from former players, fans and the media. In fact, the online abuse became so bad that Arthur decided on Tuesday to delete his Twitter account.

"I think if you're on it you just open yourself up to that [abuse]," he said. "There has been some very positive stuff as well, but it's not worth it. I've got bigger things to worry about than Twitter to be honest."

Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets here

@ dwblurb .... Hussey had been under constant pressure for the past 3-years. to perform despite having a higher average than Clarke for many of the series.

You should read more.

Nitesh
on March 21, 2013, 5:02 GMT

I think Cricket Australia sould not look back and groom youngsters as much as they can because they are the future of Australian Cricket. Hayden, Ponting,Hussey, McGrath,Warne all are legends and noone can fill anyone's feet. Every team faces these kind of situation as currently australia is facing, it does not mean, they should start calling ex team players. Aussies have all the capabilties to come back strongly from worse conditions like this. I am hopeful they will do better than this in Ashes

Andrew
on March 21, 2013, 3:15 GMT

The reality is Huss is averaging less than 40 in the Shield this season, so he is not really pushing his cause. I also think it is unfair to put any onus on him as he has made it quite clear family is now more important.

Earl
on March 20, 2013, 23:33 GMT

I miss watching Hussey bat.He always looked like he was batting with a plan.He did not gige many chances at the beginning of his innings.He played the ball on it's merit.Chanderpaul comes to mind when I see Hussey.Australia could use both Ponting and Hussey.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2013, 21:36 GMT

Amazing how much pressure was on Hussey to perform in December 2011. Now they are acting as if they can't do without him.

Senthil
on March 20, 2013, 19:57 GMT

Mr. Arthur, Please leave Huss alone to be fresh for CSK this IPL season. He has done enough for Australian cricket for us all to have great memories. Let him have some fun, make some money, enjoy life and times with his young family. We LOVE Mr. Cricket and nobody in the world has anything but the utmost respect for him. Let your current lot learn how to become like him.

Ram
on March 20, 2013, 19:01 GMT

Australia can stop being a cry baby about missing-Hussey, missing-Ricky and all this and let the players play in Test Matches instead of breathing fire for not turning in a piece of Paper. Every great team has to face this phase since the people who brought the team to that level have to stop playing cricket at one point.

Dean
on March 20, 2013, 18:22 GMT

@JMbond, I can assure you that Hussey,Hodge & Cummins will not be playing in the up coming ashes series. Hussey has retired & confirmed today he is happy with his decision, Hodge hasn't played a FC match for 4 yrs & Cummins hasn't played 1 for 18 mths!

Sharad
on March 20, 2013, 16:10 GMT

A lot of us Indian fans are enjoying our team's current success. But, a word of caution here - Australia's situation in India is no worse than ours abroad. Australia's fight and commitment in completely alien conditions is way better than can be said of that our experienced Indian team showed when we toured Australia. Yes Australia are struggling but for a lot of them this is their first tour in Test uniforms but Sachin, Sehwag and others have travelled god knows how many times there but it's failure after failure. When the batters succeed, the bowlers let us down or the other way around. We need everyone to dig deep and fight as a team when touring.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2013, 13:00 GMT

Arthur becoming desperate I see!!

Dummy4
on March 21, 2013, 6:48 GMT

@ dwblurb .... Hussey had been under constant pressure for the past 3-years. to perform despite having a higher average than Clarke for many of the series.

You should read more.

Nitesh
on March 21, 2013, 5:02 GMT

I think Cricket Australia sould not look back and groom youngsters as much as they can because they are the future of Australian Cricket. Hayden, Ponting,Hussey, McGrath,Warne all are legends and noone can fill anyone's feet. Every team faces these kind of situation as currently australia is facing, it does not mean, they should start calling ex team players. Aussies have all the capabilties to come back strongly from worse conditions like this. I am hopeful they will do better than this in Ashes

Andrew
on March 21, 2013, 3:15 GMT

The reality is Huss is averaging less than 40 in the Shield this season, so he is not really pushing his cause. I also think it is unfair to put any onus on him as he has made it quite clear family is now more important.

Earl
on March 20, 2013, 23:33 GMT

I miss watching Hussey bat.He always looked like he was batting with a plan.He did not gige many chances at the beginning of his innings.He played the ball on it's merit.Chanderpaul comes to mind when I see Hussey.Australia could use both Ponting and Hussey.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2013, 21:36 GMT

Amazing how much pressure was on Hussey to perform in December 2011. Now they are acting as if they can't do without him.

Senthil
on March 20, 2013, 19:57 GMT

Mr. Arthur, Please leave Huss alone to be fresh for CSK this IPL season. He has done enough for Australian cricket for us all to have great memories. Let him have some fun, make some money, enjoy life and times with his young family. We LOVE Mr. Cricket and nobody in the world has anything but the utmost respect for him. Let your current lot learn how to become like him.

Ram
on March 20, 2013, 19:01 GMT

Australia can stop being a cry baby about missing-Hussey, missing-Ricky and all this and let the players play in Test Matches instead of breathing fire for not turning in a piece of Paper. Every great team has to face this phase since the people who brought the team to that level have to stop playing cricket at one point.

Dean
on March 20, 2013, 18:22 GMT

@JMbond, I can assure you that Hussey,Hodge & Cummins will not be playing in the up coming ashes series. Hussey has retired & confirmed today he is happy with his decision, Hodge hasn't played a FC match for 4 yrs & Cummins hasn't played 1 for 18 mths!

Sharad
on March 20, 2013, 16:10 GMT

A lot of us Indian fans are enjoying our team's current success. But, a word of caution here - Australia's situation in India is no worse than ours abroad. Australia's fight and commitment in completely alien conditions is way better than can be said of that our experienced Indian team showed when we toured Australia. Yes Australia are struggling but for a lot of them this is their first tour in Test uniforms but Sachin, Sehwag and others have travelled god knows how many times there but it's failure after failure. When the batters succeed, the bowlers let us down or the other way around. We need everyone to dig deep and fight as a team when touring.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2013, 13:00 GMT

Arthur becoming desperate I see!!

Alex
on March 20, 2013, 12:02 GMT

Mickey Arthur, you got more "guts" than anyone else . Do you really expect Hussey to come back ? . That is all wishful thinking .

Alex
on March 20, 2013, 11:57 GMT

Mr. Arthur, that is all wishful thinking .

Paramjeet
on March 20, 2013, 10:44 GMT

Final conclusion - very simple. India lost to Aus & Eng due to some veteran players who cannot contribute positively any more but refused to retire honourably. Whereas, Aus are performing badly due to good performing veteran players who have retired prematurely. So, India has blooded new rookies and now Aus wants to recall their veterans. Makes sense.

James
on March 20, 2013, 10:00 GMT

Wouldnt be such a bad idea to ask Mike Hussey to come back for the Ashes. Also, if Hodge is not yet retired, it would be good to have him in the squadfor the Ashes as well. With these two, and with Watson back, and Clarke in good health, the batting would be in good shape. The key would be getting the quicks back to health, particularly Pattinson and Cummins. A few players can transform the team. Afterall the Aussies had given a 4 nil thrashing to these same Indians a short while ago.

Nilesh
on March 20, 2013, 9:45 GMT

@Akexk400..very well said,perfect comments must admit. Do not hark back on those who are gone & retired. Who doesn't wish for a Warne, Dravid , Ponting or a Gilchrist in the team, but its only wishful thinking and no point in wasting time & energy on that. Instead, breed youngsters who have the talent, skills and temperament to succeed at the highest level. Give them enough chances, the width to accept failures, the resilience to fall and rise again, to face the challenges of performing in alien conditions. Its called ' investment in future'. The golden era of the Windies of 70s & 80s, the 'fab-five' of the Indian team and the invincible team of Steve Waugh will never happen again, let's accept it. But every team has a Pujara, a Dhawan, a Compton, a Umran Akmal , a Jackson Bird lurking out there who needs that big break and nurturing of talent in the right direction to make it big for future and be a winning horse in the long run for their country.

David
on March 20, 2013, 7:18 GMT

@Joseph Langford, Hussey retired because he didn't want to spend the majority of the year away from his family. He was in some of the best form of his life, what makes you think he felt under any particular pressure to keep his place?

@Ozcricketwriter, have you seen David Hussey's figures for the season? Ended the season batting 6 for Victoria.

Firdaus
on March 20, 2013, 7:15 GMT

Even if getting back Hussey would boost the team for the next 4-6 months, that doesn't really help the team in the long run. Hussey retired on a high, let him enjoy that.
Australia should go with one GENUINE spinner (Lyon) and pick three pacers. Starc and Siddle are high on confidence after their last spell, and Patto is solid, genuine pace. Give Hughes and Smith another game. Replace Haddin with Wade and replace Henriques with Watto. My team:
Warner, Cowan, Hughes, Watson, Clarke, Smith, Wade, Patto, Starc, Siddle, Lyon.
Note: Move Smith up the order and draft in Hughes if Clarke is injured.

Eddie
on March 20, 2013, 7:01 GMT

Haddins return showed that shield runs don't equate to much international runs. So those calling for ricky to come back should think about that

Eddie
on March 20, 2013, 6:47 GMT

hussey don't give Arthur the satisfaction, you retired on top, and don't deserve to have to be amongst the rabble the selectors are picking and the admin in charge. Enjoy a retirement well earned!!

nag
on March 20, 2013, 6:46 GMT

This is what happens when u dump very good players(who may not be the best in the team) like KATICH. I still don't understand why he wasn't given a contract two yrs back and now suddenly u see a void in australian batting line-up. He would have been with the team which is so inexperienced. This is a learning for all teams not to just dump the senior players for not playing well in just one/two series.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2013, 6:20 GMT

MA proves again that his picture should be in every dictionary adjacent to the word "INCOMPETENT".

While Khawaja sits on the bench, MA chooses Henriques, Smith, Maxwell and Doherty Instead of looking to the future he looks for the past and hopes for the return of Hussey, a player that felt so much pressure he retired, and was so scared that if he announced his retirement early he would be prematurely sacked.

The Australian Cricket Team reeks of a vile stench.

John
on March 20, 2013, 5:48 GMT

@dwblurb: he should have said "Mike Hussey was a great player, but he has retired. Next question, please."

Adrian
on March 20, 2013, 5:37 GMT

It beggars belief why there is so much interest in welcoming back Michael Hussey, a guy who is over 35 years of age, has retired because he is no longer interested in the game, and was told that he was not welcome in the ODI or T20 sides even though he was still happy to play in them - all the while his YOUNGER brother David Hussey, with a similar record to Michael's, is not in consideration because he is too old. How does that make sense? If Michael is not interested, why on earth aren't they considering David?

Ivan
on March 20, 2013, 5:31 GMT

@ Mary_786 - Agree with you. It doesn't look like Khwaja will get a chance. Joseph Langford said in a different article that " is somebody scared that he will succeed"? I wonder about that as well. I am betting that Khwaja will again warm the bench on Friday while each and every other member of the team would have got to play at least one test. And one thought the retirement of Hussey would have opened the door for Khwaja - silly me.

David
on March 20, 2013, 5:08 GMT

More unjustified vitriol on this thread for Mickey Arthur, this time for honestly answering a question. What should he have said when asked if the selectors would like Hussey back. No, he isn't good enough to make the team and no, we don't miss him?

David
on March 20, 2013, 5:07 GMT

It is amusing to read all the comments about how player X or player Y should be in the team and would have done better. How can you reward performance in the Shield (one of the chief recommendations of the Argus Report), and then pick players who are averaging below 20? Saying certain players would do well because they have experience on Indian pitches because they have played in the IPL is particularly absurd. The IPL is a different type of game, a far lower level of bowling, completely different pitches, and has none of the pressure of Test cricket.
Australia's problem is their lack of quality batting, a result of the low standard of the Shield at present, exacerbated in my opinion by the surfeit of 'result' pitches being prepared. Batsmen don't have the incentive to tough it out and back their techniqueto build an innings when the ball continues to move throughout 80 overs and even average bowlers could get them out at any time. Sad but true. Look at QLD's batting stats this season

Rahul
on March 20, 2013, 5:01 GMT

At the moment best thing Arthurs can do is take a leaf out of Duncan Fletchers book and take a back seat instead of discussing issues with the media day in day out. It is understood that by fronting up to media he may be trying to take pressure of captain and needs to take all the criticism on himself so that team can concentrate on playing cricket. But him going to media and discussing sensitive issues about Watson, Lyon and Hussey is not helping anyone neither he looks to be most efficient at doing this posturing. A silence can be golden at such time.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2013, 4:21 GMT

Its pathetic if Mickey Arthur is even contemplating a Hussey comeback when he was the first guy to put young players on his agenda and made Hussey sit out the oneday series even though he was willing to play. This is just a lame rearguard which only proves that he has lost confidence in his own decisions. In what universe were Maxwell and Doherthy good picks for India? Henriques surprised everyone by playing well in the first test but noone was surprised by his failures in the next two tests. The emphasis on bits and pieces is once again killing a good potential side. While guys like Marsh, Ferguson and Haddin would have been ideal first choices for an India tour, Aussies should have put in more faith in Johnson, and atleast one of Hauritz or Krejza who have toured India before should have been there with Lyon. O'Keeefe would be a no brainer too. I read a tweet that its hard to take the Ozzies seriously with a captain called Pup and a coach called Mickey. Seems sad, but coming true.

Par
on March 20, 2013, 3:50 GMT

What a feeling it must be to miss a batsman like Hussey, to still be able to say that they would welcome him if he came knocking. If am not wrong his australian summer ended with avg of 60+ ? And then the guy retires. I think even Haydos was still good when he retired, same about Gilly, maybe in tests haddin had become admirable replacement but you indeed missed Gilly. He was good for another 2 years or so as seen in IPL etc.

Such a contrast to indian side where once-greats retire there is huge sigh of relief. I am waiting for the day SRT hangs boots and dreads he will just come back saying he changed his mind and would play another 5 years.

For Arthur's sake I hope Hussey makes a comeback!

Victor
on March 20, 2013, 3:44 GMT

How about bringing Ricky Ponting as a mentor and batting coach for the younger guys.

Alex
on March 20, 2013, 3:30 GMT

My advice to micky arthur and michael clarke , Idetify players with skill and their negatives , Make players comfortable. Because not every one going to be great. But if you give self belief and confidence , anyone can excel. Pattinson and Starc are highs and lows (erratic) type players but with gifted skills. They need to be managed but not threatened with suspension. Thats not the way. If people do not respect you means you are not giving them what they need to excel. Everyone need something. For some few encouraging words , for some something else. Hussey and Ponting are done. Going back is stupid now. I feel selectors did not estimate the skills of current crop of players. Aussie still good in their home conditions. But you want to excel you need to put runs on the board. Currently its one man show. Clarke and 10 others . I would give chances to unknown players who never got chance. Because sometime you never know you have diamond in rough unless you play them.

Alex
on March 20, 2013, 3:21 GMT

I can see future now. England is more calculative and ruthless with current set of players. They have offense , defense , all rounders , accurate bowlers , tall bowlers , great spinners. Only Michael clarke will score against them. Others no chance in hell. Very responsible captain in Cook. Clarke can match cook in batting. But i feel like he is putting too much pressure on himself to winning and it shows up when others are not pulling their weights like him. It won't happen. Others are not in same skill level. You have give something to get something. Lower expectation first. Start saying we are team in transition , it gona take some time. Reduce pressure on your players , they will eventually start to perform well. Military style disicpline not gona work. Not every one michael hussey work ethic. Pattinson and starc are highly skilled but kinda erratic. Critique them you will lose them. Praise them them will be amped up. Clarke learn about leadership stop trying to find scapegoat.

Chandru
on March 20, 2013, 3:07 GMT

Coach should focus on the players that are in the team now. What good it does to players, If he talks about those who have retired. Arthur seems like a novice coach.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2013, 2:57 GMT

if Mickey arthur wants Mr cricket to the rescue for the ashes then he should ask ponting as well he is in good form in shield and now he has had a break from international cricket he might well feel like one last ashes campaign .

without Husseys or pontings experience we are no hope in the ashes as Clarke cannot carry the team by himself. Only Pattinson is a genuine new ball bowler if harris is fit he must be picked.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2013, 2:32 GMT

I like how Mickey's saying he's put his neck on the line and now he knows the team is going in the right direction. Well we still got our butts kicked inside four days Mickey!

As far as putting your neck on the line, let's not pretend that making terrible decisions that nobody agrees with and that get zero results is some brave noble move. And then he says that the homework suspensions have galvanised the team! There's a difference between a team being galvanised and a team full of players terrified of losing their spots because of erratic and arrogant management decisions.

This guys gotta go.

Prashant
on March 20, 2013, 2:14 GMT

Wow! Way to pass the buck, Mickey!

Karthik
on March 20, 2013, 2:00 GMT

The very idea of having Mickey Arthur as Australian team's head coach is a debatable decision. What credentials does this man have? Have we approached the likes of Steve Waugh for the role? What does this guy know about Aussie values and culture while a few years ago he coached a team that played against us? Something doesn't add up. Now MA is spitting out more garbage by entertaining the idea of welcoming back a retiree - what a desperate message does this send to POMS... Where did the team of retired invincibles go when we need them... Steve Waugh, Haydos, Langer, Martyn, McGrath...

David
on March 20, 2013, 0:48 GMT

So, @Kavignar Vaidha, Australia are in the same position as the West Indies. What, after 3 losses in India? They lost one series in 2 1/2 years before this one. They are ranked number 3 for that reason. The WI are about #8, if I recall. England are ranked #2, one point ahead, but lost 3-0 to PAK a year ago. They are yet to win a test on the current NZ tour. Oh, and Australia beat India 4-0 a year ago. I suspect that result reflects a lot more "reality" than this one, given the fact that conditions were much more generous in Australia than in India this series. I wonder what you will say after SA destroys India in SA? I was watching a video on YouTube of Steyn getting 6-8 vs PAK. The wicket was so green it looked like an algal bloom. That's what the Saffas will set for IND very shortly. They have the same "free-spirited" approach to pitch prep as India does.

Allan
on March 20, 2013, 0:22 GMT

Hussey is a legend, it would be great to have him back but i think he is happy in retirement spending time with his young family. For me the focus has to be on the younger batsman and in particular the guy Hussey endorsed as his replacement(Khawaja) who is yet to play this summer but hold alot of promise. Its simple really. Pick our best possible team based on first-class performances and with a focus on the future? I know, I know, that sounds far too crazy and "out there" but perhaps that is just the kind of radical thinking this team needs! I can't believe nobody has thought of it before(lol). I think we can win the 4th test, lets get behind our boys.

Dean
on March 19, 2013, 22:57 GMT

@Terry Jones, Are you being serious? None of the top team in world cricket rotate their batsman. SAF & Eng are the 2 best teams in the world and do rotate batsman or bowlers & neither did Aus when they were no1, surly that tells you something. Aus will not achieve anything by chopping & changing players and besides the facts are at the moment they don't have 7 or 8 batsman that are good enough to rotate in and out of the side. It could be argued they only have 2 Warner & Clarke as they are the only 2 that ave over 40!

Harvey
on March 19, 2013, 22:51 GMT

What is the point, bring Huss back and maybe win a series, then he retires again? Better off copping what comes to them and give the next generation the experience they need. CA is in denial, they need to realise that you cant stay at the top when your best players retire. CA is to blame for not giving youngsters a chance when there was more experience around them. Look at West Indies, classic example of not planning for the future.

Dean
on March 19, 2013, 22:47 GMT

@Popcorn, Ricky wasn't making runs in test cricket which is why he quit. There is a considerable gulf between the quality of the shield & test cricket nowadays.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 22:47 GMT

Hussey, Could be hired as a mentor? Some one to talk to who is not directly part of the selectorial group or management. But some one who has been there done that, that batsmen who are not confident approaching mangment to approach, He should also be answerable only to himself. I say this as it seems we need something similar for NZ in the bowling ranks...(Dion Nash )

Dean
on March 19, 2013, 22:43 GMT

@Vindaliew, The problem regarding Punter is that he is now well past his best. Punter has been a fading force for the last few yrs. He had a very learn spell running up to the series with ind in 2011 & I feel sure had he not got runs in that series he would have either quit or been dropped ahead of the series in the WI which followed. He was desperate to play in one more ashes series & I think following the ind series he felt he could make it but another lean run followed & he bowed to the inevitable following the SAF series last yr. The truth is the Punter of today would add little to this mediocre Aus batting line up. Hussey on the other hand would still be a huge asset as he is still more or less at the peak of his powers. It almost sounds like a desperate plea from Arthur for him to change his mind, but I can't see it happening & Aus will just have to get on with it.

Rukus
on March 19, 2013, 22:08 GMT

It seems that Australia cared so much about preparing for the ashes that they did not think to prepare for India by different means?! Why did Hussy HAVE to be around for the Ashes? He would have done well in India and could have been reassessed then but I guess the Australian Selection Panel had their own idea's of how a hierarchy should be dealt with and in the end it is just a disappointing thrashing in India to take with them into a massive ashes series.

Sean
on March 19, 2013, 22:00 GMT

@soumyas, Ponting wasn't a "new player" when Waugh, Warney, Gilly, Haydos and Bevan(wondering your basis on the Bevan addition considering his lack of Tests he played and didn't get to retire from Tests) retired. Punter was one of these old gaurd. He had been in the Test team for nearly a decade when he took over the captaincy from Waugh.

Azad
on March 19, 2013, 21:25 GMT

No wonder this guy was asking his team to come up with ideas, he has none. Aussies should ask for Hussey to come back as a coach. It will solve their biggest problem.

Neil
on March 19, 2013, 21:14 GMT

Yeah, well I wish Australia had a competent coach, captain and selectors. I reckon my dream may come true before yours does, Mickey.

Muhammad
on March 19, 2013, 21:13 GMT

Australia should give chance to David Hussey. He is not as good as his brother but is better than Maxwell and Hughes.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 20:03 GMT

All I can say is that if Arthur and Clarke, who were heavily involved in selecting this squad, are now saying that this squad is not good enough, it doesn't say much for their capabilities in recognizing test standard players. They dealt the cards, now they have to play with the hand they've got.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 19:52 GMT

Take away this current Australian team out of the hands of this loser..else he will spoil them beyond the scope of repair.His statements are loose and he doesn't at all come across as a very strong man up for the job.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 19:38 GMT

Unfortunate to see Ozz battling in india for Win/draw, they had greatest sport team which can't be beatable at any condition either its home/away. I would blame ozz management for not putting proper replacement and avoiding likes of Hodge, David hussy despite having over 50 Avg in 1st class cricket. I hope still ozz team comeback from this dark clouds and play like their old team.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 18:49 GMT

Once the West Indians were a super power on cricket field with utter domination. Once their slide started with the retirements of the likes of Richards, Lloyd and the fearsome fast bowlers, they are never able to come UP again, despite the emergence of a genius in Brian Lara in between. Now, the Australians are in similar situation. It is a pity that they have to depend on IPL specialist likw Shane Watson, who is clearly not a Test match material. Claeke scores heavily only against India and his records against other leading teams are not that consistent and volumous. Australian current bowlers, except in patches, are comedians. So, the chances of Australia winnung a Test again, look very much remote, in the near future.

Ian
on March 19, 2013, 18:19 GMT

If Hussey won't come back, and it's unlikely since it's not a home series in Australia, why not ask Punter? He's still plying his trade in the domestic circuits, and I'm sure would be very tempted to try his hand at one last Ashes hurrah given his three losses as captain. That's assuming Australia really need the return of the old guard, which I feel they probably don't. Better to lose another Ashes series with a young team who will learn from it, than win it while stifling the progress of younger batsmen who might have played a bigger role. England in England are a very different team from India in India, after all. No less dangerous, but infinitely more suitable for the current crop of Australian talent.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 17:36 GMT

Australia would do well to live in the past, the whole business of coming back from retirement has contributed towards the decline, first it was Warne now its Hussey.

John
on March 19, 2013, 17:29 GMT

I'm a great admirer of Australians and Australian cricket. Frankly, of everything that's happened, to hear Mickey Arthur telling the world that the available Aus players aren't good enough leaves the worst taste in my mouth. He's undermining the current players, being negative instead of positive and making himself look ineffectual.

Time to get him out and give the job to someone who believes in the side and will work to make the best use of the available players. Aussies don't whinge and cry about the good old days, they get on with the job and make the best of it- and their best is usually good enough.

As an England fan, I'm not writing this Aussie squad off. I think they'll put up a heck of a fight in the Ashes series. It's a pity their coach doesn't feel the same way.

Suman
on March 19, 2013, 17:27 GMT

After the hoeworkgate, I was beginning to think that Arthur's losing his marbles. Now, it is confirmed. Poor fellow. On one hand he believes the best players are already in India on the other hand he wishes a retired player to return and save his skin, not sure whether to laugh or cry. It's not even funny any more.

j
on March 19, 2013, 17:13 GMT

What a flag of surrender this is from Arthur. 'If he were available for the Ashes..We'd welcome him back'. What a total mess this Australia side is in. Started on their slide by England a long time ago, they just keep getting more and more inept at this game called cricket.

soumyas
on March 19, 2013, 16:36 GMT

according to me, Steve waugh, shane warne, gilchrist, hayden, Bevan all got retired when there was still some more cricket left in them. but new players like ponting,clark,Hussey,watson took care well from where they left, but now nobody of that caliber to take care of aussie team. with watson out of team, Clarke can't handle team alone. they shud have assured hussey a place instead putting pressure to retire, he wud have saved at least 1 test...Even David Hussey cud hav been better choice than Phil hughes on indian pitches.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 16:35 GMT

Australia could have planned Hussey's departure a little better. I was surprised to read that Hussey kept his retirement plans secret, when ideally he, Clarke and Arthur should have planned his departure well. How can an international coach say that he would welcome a retired player back ? That means the current lot are no good.The Ashes are going to be a watershed for Clarke,England are a genuine no.2 to South Africa and they have all the cards, defensive and attacking batsmen, allrounders, swing bowlers, seam bowlers, spinners functioning well. They will easily disect this Australian team even more ruthlessly than India. Clarke is already showing signs of cracking, first the needless declaration in the second test when in the first test the last wicket added 50 plus runs then the suicidal removal of players which weakened an already reeling team. Clarke may be a great batsmen but facing his first storm he seems to be punching holes in his own boat.

Arshad
on March 19, 2013, 16:33 GMT

CA's recent history is full of injustices to very good players who have now either aged or have completely given up on wearing the Baggy Green. Brad Hodge and Simon Katich were thrown out when at their prime whereas countless other players who are still good enough to play for Aust have completely given up. The biggest injustice was done to Michael Bevan whereas other players include Symonds, Hayden, Gilchrist, Damien Martin and the list goes on..... it is all coming back to CA for time is a great equalizer

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 16:19 GMT

@Beertjie, If they are not aiming for no.1, what exactly should they be doing? I would think that outside of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, that this would be the goal for every test team?

@Mary_786, I think if you are expecting a players sole focus to be on Test and shield cricket, than you are most likely going to have to pay them a very large fee indeed to negate the fact they are unavailable for the T20 circuses.

@Cricmatters, Warner and Watson have plenty of IPL experience too, the test pitches are completely different though and their IPL Experience has not helped them at all. How anyone can think Marsh and DHussey would have done better is beyond me. They have both had absolutely horrendous shield seasons.

I think Arthur is just looking for someone to stand up with the bat here to make some runs and lead the way. Rightly so in my book. We need guys batting not just for their wickets but as though their collective lives depended on it, but they just aren't doing it!

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 16:13 GMT

forget hussey and Ponting, get folks like joe burns,cosgrove , doolan and Fergie. if selctors feel these kids have not done enough then look at hodgey,Chris Rogers or even David hussey or klinger. the issue is there are too many ovrated players like Warner, Hughes, Watson and maxwell. they all form a great oDi or t20 squad but to cll them test players and even going to the extent of saying this is the best we have is nothing but a sacrilege to guys like Cosgrove, fergusson, Rogers, hodgey and others

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 15:55 GMT

Poor old Mickey Arthur.. taking te rap that was most certainly a decision instigated by Michael Clarke who still utilises a schoolyard gang-up system and believes in dobbing in mates for the sake of his own security. Did it to perfection as well - waited until his own behind was covered with solid statistics before unleashing the plan he wanted to for a long, long time.

akshay
on March 19, 2013, 15:54 GMT

This is pathetic.. Clarke and Arthur were the ones responsible for Pointing and Hussey retiring from this team. They put so much pressure on these 2 legends to prove themselves time and again. Now when they're gone and the team is in shambles they praise them and want them to come back.. absolutely ridiculous. Do they think those players have no pride or self-respect?? Arthus has lost his mind.. on one hand he says - " I'm confident we've got the best players here. These guys just need to be given that confidence and just need to stand up. I'm pretty sure they will." But on the other he says "We'd certainly listen to Mike Hussey if Mike Hussey came knocking at our door,". This statements are so contradictory and maybe he is the one who should be working on tasks such as Talking less to media and working on his players - motivating them and give them all the assistance needed off the field rather than tasks of writing essays. I'm an INDIAN but more importantly a CRICKET FAN.

suresh
on March 19, 2013, 15:32 GMT

The World likes winners. That's how it is these days. India were in no better state after the Australian tour or even after the recent series with England. It's all part and parcel of the game. Instead of putting every small thing under the microscope, concentrate on the future. These days judgement comes too quick, especially where big money is involved. If one tries to judge others by their own high standards, there will be no growth. Michael....take note.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 15:27 GMT

Australian XI for Ashes Should Be S. Marsh, S.Watson, G.Bailey, M.Clarke, D. Hussey, Fergusson, T.Paine, P.Siddle, Pattinson, Starc, Bird. No need to play spinners, as this group of Australian spinners are not able to spin in friendly conditions, what results they will give in England. Bowling Starc, Pattinson, Bird, Siddle, Watson and Part timer D.Huss. Bring back Marsh and put Watson at opening position. Time to Drop Warner, Cowan, Hughes, Henriques, Khawaja, Smith, maxwell, Doherty, Wade and Haddin. Although Cowan can be back opener and Khawaja and Hughes back middle order batsmen and Wade back up keeper.

Mashuq
on March 19, 2013, 15:25 GMT

"I'm confident we've got the best players here." You and your fellow selectors will continue to destroy Australian cricket with your pie-in-the-sky talk about becoming number one. Go on pick Cummins now and watch him break down. Take Agar and watch him being murdered. If its short term solutions the board expects these are the brainless picks you selectors are going to make. Maxwell has the kind of confidence you're talking about, so he may eventually repay your faith, but in the short term he's a joke.

Rajaram
on March 19, 2013, 15:21 GMT

In addition to Mike Hussey,the way Ricky Ponting is playing in the Sheffield Shield - his century after century has taken Tassie to the Finals, he should come back to play for us at Delhi, or The Ashes in England and at home.

Bhaskar
on March 19, 2013, 15:07 GMT

I wonder how Ponting's name is coming up again, he would have been a lame duck in India as he is a very bad player in India. The only plus would have been would have been for Harbhajan who would have made the 11 in all 4 tests as he is the real nemesis of Ponting. Good Ponting retired before India tour or else he would have been chased out after Delhi test. His average would have suffered a great deal.

As regards Mike Hussey I think he was the best player to have played for Australia in the last 2 decades. He will be a plus even if he returns now.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 15:02 GMT

Mickey Arthur says: "We've got ... a very young group of players that needs to be shown the right way to go". No Mickey, wrong! It must be THREE different ways to go! Not just THE right way! Also don't welcome back just ONE retired player. Make it THREE! May be, Mike, Gilly, & Warnie! All THREE areas will be covered: Batting, Wicket-keeping, and Bowling! Please don't forget the power of the number THREE! I checked with a celebrity numerologist in Mumbai. She agrees!

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 14:51 GMT

feel sorry for arthur..... he has a good vision, but doesn't have the class in his team....! No doubt, the aussies will struggle against england too..... The english batsmen are much much better than their aussie counterparts!!!!

Alex
on March 19, 2013, 14:37 GMT

mickey arthur, Being passionate do not grant you to make stupid decision. I believe when there is no seniors , what you need to do is create free market economy. Meaning if people has special skill , they need to be able to do their job without all this discipline nonsense. Players are not machines. Aussies always fight. Thats the nature. No need to make them fight. If they have skill they will do it. I think micky arthur may not be right man for current situation for australia. They may need a leader type coach who provide motivation and freedom for young players. Young players likes freedom to do things. I believe if you score century , you should be given leeway more than others. Clarke style of captaincy also i do not like it. He wants to win with players who is not ready yet. So disaster will happen when you do not have players with enough skill. You can put 200% hardwork , you will still lose if you do not have skill. Aussies need to make watson as captain permanent.

Anupam
on March 19, 2013, 14:33 GMT

I think what Hussey have done is RIGHT. no need of come back. GOOD that he is retired. Because he the senior player & respected all over the world. hussey told that he retired due to the fear of drop (How mentally he was disturb so he took a very strong decision). But the positive thing is that before he is going to axed by Clarke because hussey is a senior, he retire himself with Pride & respect.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 14:19 GMT

Agreed with Cosgrove, he deserves more attention, as does Alex Doolan.

Unbelievable idiocy prevailing here, now Mickey calling for Huss to come back. Meanwhile Chris Rogers and Brad Hodge are veterans who are desperate to play test cricket again, guys who want to play and could provide all that leadership and experience to the side.

In other news they're genuinely not sure who to drop if Watson comes back in the side. I mean... I mean... really? Is there a rule now that we're not allowed to play 6 batsmen? Henriques to go obviously duh.

david
on March 19, 2013, 14:11 GMT

pratit nice name. i am sure DF record will stand the test of time. with England he was proactive with his selection choices and team ethic. his hands have been tied with the Indian job and perhaps if given free reign he will do the the Indian team a good job. not sure what you expect a coach to do, maybe ask them to write an essay on how to beat Australia 4 zip.

david
on March 19, 2013, 14:01 GMT

micky why don't get down on your knees and beg him to change his mind. with the captains back bothering him in india, just think what an english summer will do to his circulation. maybe ponting worth a punt

Arshad
on March 19, 2013, 14:00 GMT

"...We miss the aura of Ricky Ponting."...ahh now you miss him; now you that time has passed, now that reality has hit you hard, you realize how important Ricky Ponting was and how important Michael Hussey is for your team. alas... but Vanity Fair

John
on March 19, 2013, 13:45 GMT

If the selectors picked a team purely on domestic form and the desire to play Punter would stroll in. Okay he had a shocker against South Africa but he also received some extraordinary balls, in fact it seemed as though they reserved those balls for him. His previous form had also been good in Shield and in the West Indies where, if he hadn't been sacrificed by Watson in the first test there is little doubt he would have scored a 42nd test century and where he unselfishly threw away his wicket slogging in the pursuit of quick runs in the second. There can be little doubt that he would have scored runs against Sri Lanka (Phil Hughes and Watson both managed to) and he would have managed against India. England have fast medium bowlers and off spinners and Ponting has spent the Shield season smashing attacks on green tops while other batsmen have fallen around him, I think he would manage.

Anupam
on March 19, 2013, 13:35 GMT

@Posted by Mary_786 on (March 19, 2013, 11:50 GMT) Instead of khawaja Moises is tried result HIT., Smith is tried instead of khawaja hit. What you expect from khawaja 150 * or 200 not out. Thanks that he is not tried because all those fans who advocating khawaja after looses- i tell you the truth That khawaja is a very ordinary, below average batsman. Nothing special what all you think.

Prasanna
on March 19, 2013, 13:35 GMT

As much as I would love to have Huss back, I would say these comments
are inappropriate and uncalled for. What kind of message does this send
to the team ? How would one give his all when his coach is not confident
enough about his abilities ? The best thing to happen, given that the series
is already lost is for every player to play out of his skin . Remember what
the indians said about how we would fare in india ? One last chance to
turn the table and show them that we are much better than them and
only that we have just missed out to win. Wishful thinking though.

Ahnaf
on March 19, 2013, 13:32 GMT

I remember all those comments here in Cricinfo about Ponting and Hussey and how they should retire as soon as possible when they didn't score runs for Australia. Now that they're retired, their replacements look like they never faced spin (*cough* Hughes *cough*) and don't know how to bat. I wrote when Hussey retired that Australia will face a crisis as they'll only have Clarke as their savior as another batsman who can be a major force is very injury-prone (Watson). Sadly, that's exactly what's happening. Though they've a strong pace attack, their spin and batting weakness will haunt them in the Ashes without a shadow of a doubt.

jonathan
on March 19, 2013, 13:28 GMT

Australia cricket is in disarray, having their experience players over the past decade or two prematurely retiring before the age of 40 is now coming full circle. Clarke is a match by match player with his back then what! bring back Ponting and Hussey for the ashes. Don't get blind sided a second time with a young side in English condition.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 13:20 GMT

Give Cosgrove a crack! He's been great at state level for a long time and constantly gets ignored. Get him into the side!

Pisupati
on March 19, 2013, 13:07 GMT

This obsession with Ashes is becoming more and more hilarious. Till few years back when England was not even good to beat most of the teams, they used to talk about their upcoming series against Australia while receiving drubbing from their current opponent. Now Australia is doing the same.
It's the quality and evenness of the teams that matter and these two vary from time to time. Rarely we see two very high quality teams at the same time. It's always one team that dominates and the contest between rest of the teams is all about evenness thus providing for good contest.
Now it's SA who is dominating and they will just smash all other teams. Therefore, it makes immense sense for both Australia and England to focus on how to compete with SA than talking about Ashes. Now this Ashes contest will at the best provide fight among 2 equal teams.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 13:06 GMT

I think that Australia needs to start looking at rotating the batsmen and not just the bowlers. Australia needs to develop 7 or 8 quality international test batsmen and ensure that no batsmen is over worked.
Overall, Australia should have a squad of 7 batsmen, 2 wickys, 3 alrounders, 4 pace bowlers and two spinners. These 18 players should be looked to be given regular matches. So in the 10 tests vs England, each should be playing at least 3 or 4 tests during this period, with the better players playing 7 or 8 matches. Clarke and the vice-captain should take turns being captain with Clarke captaining 80% of the tests.

cric
on March 19, 2013, 12:46 GMT

Here is a good lesson for all those Indian supporters braying for Tendulkar's retirement. His experience and mere presence in the Indian dressing room is very reassuring for all the young cricketers who are starting and trying to cement their position in the team. I hope that he travels to SA with the team and shares his insights with other team mates who will need lot of support and guidance in pace friendly tracks. Brad Hodge wanted to play for Australia and is still in good nick in the shorter format. I agree with @Mozhi Arasu that Shaun Marsh and David Hussey would have performed better on Indian tracks due to their IPL experience however Australia's one pointed focus on Ashes made them pick younger players who have never toured India before. Homeworkgate has backfired on both Captain and the Coach and drawn the ire of lot of cricket fans back home. Australia will do well to wipe all memories of this tour and start fresh preparations for the Ashes tour. Time and tide wait for none.

Lewis
on March 19, 2013, 12:40 GMT

Australia fans need to be realistic and understand that they cannot be the No.1 team in world all the time. Teams will always go through transitional periods like England have over the last few years and now its Australia turn.

They need to identify and give young state players who are 23, 24 years of age and give them a run in the test team - the likes of Joe Burns and Usman Kawaja are the future.

VENKATACHALAM
on March 19, 2013, 12:36 GMT

Hussey coming back specifically for the two Ashes series, one can understand.But bringing back Punter will be a disaster. He will be a sitting duck against the English pace attack and Swann.

anagh
on March 19, 2013, 12:36 GMT

Although I have been critical of Arthur's decision to bench the 4 guys, I would rather have him than Duncan Flethcher, who just sits there doing nothing.

Gurbinder
on March 19, 2013, 12:09 GMT

CA, What was the rush to push Ponting into retirement, He had a few more years in him. Along with his batting, his leadership & experience would have helped this young Australian team. Phased out retirements would have helped Australia build a more skillfull team for future.

Cameron
on March 19, 2013, 12:04 GMT

I don't think opinion has been split at all, I think there is an overwhelming feeling that Arthur and Clarke made a terrible decision that we can now in hindsight (though everyone say it oming) say heavily contributed to another embarrassing loss, this one inside 4 days. I really think that Arthur and Clarke should stand down, their selections and leadership of the team are awful. We have batters who can't bat and we are leving our best players out of the team. Why should Hughes be playing on Friday? Because of one score? They will pick him and he will fail again. The will pick bowlers who won't take wickets. They will leave out our best players. Hopefully Watson or Haddin will captain the team and Johnson and Khwaja will play.

Mariam
on March 19, 2013, 11:50 GMT

Arthur continues to lose credibility, first the homework episode and now calling for retired players to come back. I stand by a previous statement, taking large touring parties is no longer sensible. The backup players will get absolutely no game time due to a lack of tour games on most modern tours, they are better off taking a squad of 15. Amazing that Khawaja hasn't been tried yet in any game yet his name is not coming up.. I've always been a believer that there should be two different types of player contracts that each individual can nominate themselves as eligible for at the beginning of a new season depending on their priorities. T20/ODI or ODI/Test. This way no players will be paid exhorbant amounts to play 3 formats and none of our test players would be playing silly hit and giggle T20. With tweaks to the scheduling this would also allow our test players to play more Shield cricket, thus strengthening their form and the competition as a whole. Win win.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 11:45 GMT

Australian selectors and coach have to change their attitude. They have to use their best players who can play in Indian conditions like Shaun Marsh, David Hussey despite reviewing their past performance in domestic seasons.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 11:45 GMT

An SOS to both Hussey and Ponting! They can easily play in the next 2 Ashes!

Ross
on March 19, 2013, 11:44 GMT

I said it before that he loss of hussey and ponting does leave a very un experienced batting line up where the oldest batsman is 31.Hussey's retirement does make it hard but khawaja should go straight in its just that ca are literally playing with his life.How Khawaja has any confidence left is beyond me and he nees a crack in the last match. Arthur should look at the folks in the squad before reaching our for someone who left the game on a high. Time to stop making excuses and do with what you have. Ponting would be more likely to accept a recall than Huss, mainly because of the lack of success he had in england. And when does county cricket in England start? Surely it is in batsmen & bowlers interests to get some game time over there. I think a huge part of our problem is that the players in the test team do far too much training & not enough playing.Look at Siddle he gave up a couple of shield games to train I think that time would be better spent playing the game.

Hitesh
on March 19, 2013, 11:36 GMT

Hussey's retirement has affected the team more than Ponting's. Over the last year, he has had many partnerships with Clarke. However, I am sure Arthur was just responding to a question and they are not going backwards. The team might be new/inexperienced, but that is how the things work. Even if you get back hussey, you will have to find someone for future.

Nitesh
on March 21, 2013, 5:02 GMT

I think Cricket Australia sould not look back and groom youngsters as much as they can because they are the future of Australian Cricket. Hayden, Ponting,Hussey, McGrath,Warne all are legends and noone can fill anyone's feet. Every team faces these kind of situation as currently australia is facing, it does not mean, they should start calling ex team players. Aussies have all the capabilties to come back strongly from worse conditions like this. I am hopeful they will do better than this in Ashes

David
on March 20, 2013, 5:07 GMT

It is amusing to read all the comments about how player X or player Y should be in the team and would have done better. How can you reward performance in the Shield (one of the chief recommendations of the Argus Report), and then pick players who are averaging below 20? Saying certain players would do well because they have experience on Indian pitches because they have played in the IPL is particularly absurd. The IPL is a different type of game, a far lower level of bowling, completely different pitches, and has none of the pressure of Test cricket.
Australia's problem is their lack of quality batting, a result of the low standard of the Shield at present, exacerbated in my opinion by the surfeit of 'result' pitches being prepared. Batsmen don't have the incentive to tough it out and back their techniqueto build an innings when the ball continues to move throughout 80 overs and even average bowlers could get them out at any time. Sad but true. Look at QLD's batting stats this season

Alex
on March 20, 2013, 3:30 GMT

My advice to micky arthur and michael clarke , Idetify players with skill and their negatives , Make players comfortable. Because not every one going to be great. But if you give self belief and confidence , anyone can excel. Pattinson and Starc are highs and lows (erratic) type players but with gifted skills. They need to be managed but not threatened with suspension. Thats not the way. If people do not respect you means you are not giving them what they need to excel. Everyone need something. For some few encouraging words , for some something else. Hussey and Ponting are done. Going back is stupid now. I feel selectors did not estimate the skills of current crop of players. Aussie still good in their home conditions. But you want to excel you need to put runs on the board. Currently its one man show. Clarke and 10 others . I would give chances to unknown players who never got chance. Because sometime you never know you have diamond in rough unless you play them.

Allan
on March 20, 2013, 0:22 GMT

Hussey is a legend, it would be great to have him back but i think he is happy in retirement spending time with his young family. For me the focus has to be on the younger batsman and in particular the guy Hussey endorsed as his replacement(Khawaja) who is yet to play this summer but hold alot of promise. Its simple really. Pick our best possible team based on first-class performances and with a focus on the future? I know, I know, that sounds far too crazy and "out there" but perhaps that is just the kind of radical thinking this team needs! I can't believe nobody has thought of it before(lol). I think we can win the 4th test, lets get behind our boys.

Hitesh
on March 19, 2013, 11:36 GMT

Hussey's retirement has affected the team more than Ponting's. Over the last year, he has had many partnerships with Clarke. However, I am sure Arthur was just responding to a question and they are not going backwards. The team might be new/inexperienced, but that is how the things work. Even if you get back hussey, you will have to find someone for future.

Ross
on March 19, 2013, 11:44 GMT

I said it before that he loss of hussey and ponting does leave a very un experienced batting line up where the oldest batsman is 31.Hussey's retirement does make it hard but khawaja should go straight in its just that ca are literally playing with his life.How Khawaja has any confidence left is beyond me and he nees a crack in the last match. Arthur should look at the folks in the squad before reaching our for someone who left the game on a high. Time to stop making excuses and do with what you have. Ponting would be more likely to accept a recall than Huss, mainly because of the lack of success he had in england. And when does county cricket in England start? Surely it is in batsmen & bowlers interests to get some game time over there. I think a huge part of our problem is that the players in the test team do far too much training & not enough playing.Look at Siddle he gave up a couple of shield games to train I think that time would be better spent playing the game.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 11:45 GMT

An SOS to both Hussey and Ponting! They can easily play in the next 2 Ashes!

Dummy4
on March 19, 2013, 11:45 GMT

Australian selectors and coach have to change their attitude. They have to use their best players who can play in Indian conditions like Shaun Marsh, David Hussey despite reviewing their past performance in domestic seasons.

Mariam
on March 19, 2013, 11:50 GMT

Arthur continues to lose credibility, first the homework episode and now calling for retired players to come back. I stand by a previous statement, taking large touring parties is no longer sensible. The backup players will get absolutely no game time due to a lack of tour games on most modern tours, they are better off taking a squad of 15. Amazing that Khawaja hasn't been tried yet in any game yet his name is not coming up.. I've always been a believer that there should be two different types of player contracts that each individual can nominate themselves as eligible for at the beginning of a new season depending on their priorities. T20/ODI or ODI/Test. This way no players will be paid exhorbant amounts to play 3 formats and none of our test players would be playing silly hit and giggle T20. With tweaks to the scheduling this would also allow our test players to play more Shield cricket, thus strengthening their form and the competition as a whole. Win win.

Cameron
on March 19, 2013, 12:04 GMT

I don't think opinion has been split at all, I think there is an overwhelming feeling that Arthur and Clarke made a terrible decision that we can now in hindsight (though everyone say it oming) say heavily contributed to another embarrassing loss, this one inside 4 days. I really think that Arthur and Clarke should stand down, their selections and leadership of the team are awful. We have batters who can't bat and we are leving our best players out of the team. Why should Hughes be playing on Friday? Because of one score? They will pick him and he will fail again. The will pick bowlers who won't take wickets. They will leave out our best players. Hopefully Watson or Haddin will captain the team and Johnson and Khwaja will play.

Gurbinder
on March 19, 2013, 12:09 GMT

CA, What was the rush to push Ponting into retirement, He had a few more years in him. Along with his batting, his leadership & experience would have helped this young Australian team. Phased out retirements would have helped Australia build a more skillfull team for future.

anagh
on March 19, 2013, 12:36 GMT

Although I have been critical of Arthur's decision to bench the 4 guys, I would rather have him than Duncan Flethcher, who just sits there doing nothing.

VENKATACHALAM
on March 19, 2013, 12:36 GMT

Hussey coming back specifically for the two Ashes series, one can understand.But bringing back Punter will be a disaster. He will be a sitting duck against the English pace attack and Swann.

Lewis
on March 19, 2013, 12:40 GMT

Australia fans need to be realistic and understand that they cannot be the No.1 team in world all the time. Teams will always go through transitional periods like England have over the last few years and now its Australia turn.

They need to identify and give young state players who are 23, 24 years of age and give them a run in the test team - the likes of Joe Burns and Usman Kawaja are the future.

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